Emma Thompson's 'Nanny McPhee' musical sets West End premiere for summer 2027

The prospect of Nanny McPhee finally treading the boards has drawn an emphatic response from Emma Thompson, who has lived with the character for more than two decades. "I've lived with Nanny McPhee for so long that to see her finally tread the boards is supremely exciting," Thompson said in a statement reported by The Hollywood Reporter. "Theatre feels like her natural home — magic, music, mischief and a good dollop of danger can all happen right in front of you."

The musical, written by Thompson and featuring music by Scottish singer-songwriter Gary Clark, will have its world premiere in London's West End in summer 2027, according to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. Thompson, who starred as the magical governess in the 2005 film and its 2010 sequel, wrote the book and lyrics, with Clark providing the music. The production draws on the Nurse Matilda books by Christianna Brand and Edward Ardizzone, which also inspired the films.

The story follows Nanny McPhee as she arrives at the Brown family's door to find a household in chaos. It will mark the first time the character has been depicted on stage. The original 2005 film, which Thompson wrote and starred in alongside Colin Firth, Imelda Staunton, Kelly Macdonald, Angela Lansbury and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, grossed a combined $216 million globally with its sequel, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Katy Rudd is set to direct, with set and costume designs by Tony-winning Rob Howell, known for Matilda the Musical, and choreography from Ellen Kane. Working Title Films and Universal Theatrical Group are presenting the production, with Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lindsay Doran, Thompson, Paul Warwick Griffin, Gareth Hewitt Williams and Rebecca Quigley producing for Working Title Films.

Thompson described the collaboration with Clark as "an unforgettable journey of a lifetime" and expressed pride in Rudd's involvement. "I am thrilled and so proud that the brilliant Katy Rudd will be bringing it all to life with her inimitable witty wonderment," she said. "I can't wait to introduce the all-new Nanny McPhee to audiences next summer."

Casting announcements will come in due course, and ticket sales are not yet open. An earlier workshop in 2018 featured Olivia Colman, Lily James and Rory Kinnear, with Sophie Thompson participating in later test runs, but no cast has been confirmed for the West End run, according to London Theatre Direct.